- Catalog Home >
- College of Veterinary Medicine >
- Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine
Professional Program of Study
For the professional curriculum in veterinary medicine leading to the degree doctor of veterinary medicine, see Veterinary Medicine, Curriculum.
The Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine provides instruction on pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses and their interaction with host animal species. Principles and applications of infectious diseases, immunity to disease, diagnostic methods for infectious diseases, and vaccinology are covered. Principles and applications of epidemiology, public health, preventive veterinary medicine, regulatory veterinary medicine and food safety are also emphasized.
Graduate Study
The department offers opportunities for the degree doctor of philosophy with a major in veterinary microbiology. A specialization in preventive medicine is an option for this degree. Graduates in the Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine programs have a broad understanding of the fundamental processes involved in infectious diseases, pathogenesis and immunology. They are able to effectively establish research programs, which involve complex biological systems and disease syndromes. They are also prepared to address microbial-based social, ethical and environmental problems. Graduates acquire effective written and oral communication skills which lead to successful research and teaching careers in the medical and veterinary sciences. The department also offers work towards the master of science with majors in veterinary microbiology or veterinary preventive medicine. A non-thesis master’s option is available for majors in preventive medicine. Courses are open for students majoring in other graduate programs.
Prerequisite to graduate study is completion of coursework in general microbiology, biology, biochemistry, mathematical sciences, and physics. Candidates for the majors in veterinary microbiology should possess an undergraduate degree in biomedical science with emphasis in medical microbiology or the D.V.M. degree. Candidates for the major in preventive medicine should possess the D.V.M. degree.
The department also participates in the interdepartmental majors and programs in genetics, immunobiology, and MCDB (molecular, cellular, and developmental biology; see Index).
Each graduate student must demonstrate proficiency in English composition within two semesters in residence.
VMPM - Veterinary Microbiology and Preventative Medicine Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
(Cross-listed with GLOBE 3300).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Undergraduate students who have earned 54 credits or more
Historical and contemporary factors contributing to disparities in health outcomes for persons disadvantaged by income, location, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and abilities. Analysis and evaluation of health promotional materials, such as campaigns, and community-based interventions focused on reducing global health disparities. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities Requirement.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
(Cross-listed with GLOBE 3600/ MICRO 3600).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: BIOL 2110
Explores human health across the world with particular emphasis on low- and lower-middle-income countries. Attention is given to the interconnectedness of health determinants, problems, and solutions found in global health, including the role of animals and the environment. Broad in scope, highlighting different cultures and the historical foundations of global health. Topics include colonialism, poverty, emerging diseases, climate change, biodiversity, one health, maternal and child health, HIV, malaria, urbanization, noncommunicable diseases and more. Current events will be a feature of all class meetings. Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
(Dual-listed with VDPAM 5280/ VMPM 5280).
(Cross-listed with MICRO 4280/ VDPAM 4280).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Epidemiology of disease in populations. Disease causality, observational study design and approaches to epidemiologic investigations. This course is available on campus and by distance. (Typically Offered: Spring)
(Cross-listed with BMS 4500X).
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Explores research career paths in industry. Course will discuss ways students can prepare competitive applications and skill sets necessary for success. Concepts of regulatory constraints, quality management systems and intellectual property will also be introduced. Material will be presented by industry associates and leaders. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 1-9. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Biomedical Science Graduate Student or Permission of Instructor
The general principles of bacteriology, immunology and virology will be discussed. The structure and function of bacteria and viruses, the mechanisms of pathogenesis, and the host response to infectious agents will be reviewed. Vaccines, their failures, and new developments in vaccine development will be explored.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
(Dual-listed with MICRO 4020/ GEN 4020).
(Cross-listed with MICRO 5020).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: (BIOL 3130 and MICRO 3020) or Graduate Classification
The fundamental concepts of bacterial and bacteriophage genetics including mutagenesis, mechanisms of vertical and horizontal genetic information transfer and gene regulation are covered, along with genetic and genomic-based approaches to study these and other cellular processes of microorganisms. Review and discussion of research literature to examine experimental design, methodology, and interpretation of both historical and contemporary relevance to microbial genetics and genomics. Offered even-numbered years.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
(Cross-listed with ANS 5170/ MICRO 5170/ FSHN 5170).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: 2-3 credits in microbiology and/or immunology.
Explore current research on gut microbiome including modern tools used to study the gut microbiome. Examine the linkages between gut microbiome and health status, diseases, and manipulation of gut microbiome to improve health.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: MICRO 3100 or Permission of Instructor
Nature of the immune system and its role in health and disease. Graduation Restriction: Credit for either VMPM 5200 or 5750, but not both may be applied toward graduation.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
(Cross-listed with MICRO 5250).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Overview of commensal microbiota in the health and well-being of vertebrates. Topics include diversity of intestinal structure, microbial diversity/function, innate immune development, community interactions and metabolic diseases associated with alterations of the intestinal microbiome. Offered even-numbered years.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
(Dual-listed with VDPAM 4280/ VMPM 4280/ MICRO 4280).
(Cross-listed with VDPAM 5280).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Epidemiology of disease in populations. Disease causality, observational study design and approaches to epidemiologic investigations. This course is available on campus and by distance.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Pathogenesis and control of zoonotic diseases. Factors influencing transmission and survival of pathogenic microorganisms in the environment. Offered odd-numbered years.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
(Cross-listed with MICRO 5400/ ANS 5400).
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Prereq: ANS 5610 or MICRO 5750 or VMPM 5200 or Graduate Classification
Basic concepts and contemporary topics in genetic regulation of livestock immune response and disease resistance. Offered odd-numbered years.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
(Cross-listed with BMS 5420A/ EEOB 5420A/ FSHN 5420A/ GDCB 5420A/ HORT 5420A/ NREM 5420A/ NUTRS 5420A/ VDPAM 5420A/ BBMB 5420A).
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 0.5, Laboratory 1.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Includes genetic engineering procedures, sequencing, PCR, and genotyping. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
(Cross-listed with BMS 5420C/ EEOB 5420C/ FSHN 5420C/ GDCB 5420C/ HORT 5420C/ NREM 5420C/ NUTRS 5420C/ BBMB 5420C/ VDPAM 5420C).
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Laboratory 2.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Includes: immunophenotyping, ELISA, flow cytometry, microscopic techniques, image analysis, confocal, multiphoton and laser capture microdissection.ular biology techniques and related procedures. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
(Cross-listed with BMS 5420D/ EEOB 5420D/ FSHN 5420D/ GDCB 5420D/ HORT 5420D/ NREM 5420D/ NUTRS 5420D/ BBMB 5420D/ VDPAM 5420D).
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 0.5, Laboratory 1.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Includes: Agrobacterium and particle gun-mediated transformation of tobacco, Arabidopsis, and maize, and analysis of tranformants. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
(Cross-listed with BMS 5420E/ EEOB 5420E/ FSHN 5420E/ GDCB 5420E/ HORT 5420E/ NREM 5420E/ NUTRS 5420E/ BBMB 5420E/ VDPAM 5420E).
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 0.5, Laboratory 1.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Includes: two-dimensional electrophoresis, laser scanning, mass spectrometry, and database searching. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
(Cross-listed with BMS 5420F/ EEOB 5420F/ FSHN 5420F/ GDCB 5420F/ HORT 5420F/ NREM 5420F/ NUTRS 5420F/ BBMB 5420F/ VDPAM 5420F).
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 0.5, Laboratory 1.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Includes: metabolomics and the techniques involved in metabolite profiling. For non-chemistry majoring students who are seeking analytical aspects into their biological research projects. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
(Cross-listed with BMS 5420G/ EEOB 5420G/ FSHN 5420G/ GDCB 5420G/ HORT 5420G/ NREM 5420G/ NUTRS 5420G/ BBMB 5420G/ VDPAM 5420G).
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 0.5, Laboratory 1.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Sessions in basic molecular biology techniques and related procedures. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
(Dual-listed with BMS 4500/ VMPM 4500).
(Cross-listed with BMS 5500X).
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Explores research career paths in industry. Course will discuss ways students can prepare competitive applications and skill sets necessary for success. Concepts of regulatory constraints, quality management systems and intellectual property will also be introduced. Material will be presented by industry associates and leaders. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
(Dual-listed with MICRO 4750).
(Cross-listed with MICRO 5750).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: MICRO 3100 or Graduate Classification
An examination of humoral and cellular immune function as well as the interaction of the cells and factors of the immune system that result in health and disease. MICRO 4750L optional. Graduation Restriction: Credit for either MICRO 4750 or VMPM 5200, but not both, may be applied to graduation.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
(Cross-listed with MICRO 5860).
Credits: 4. Contact Hours: Lecture 4.
Prereq: MICRO 3100 or Graduate Classification
Bacteria associated with diseases of vertebrates, including virulence factors and interaction of host responses. Concurrent students need to register for 5860L.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 4. Contact Hours: Lecture 4.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Principles of animal virology. Biology of viruses associated with diseases of veterinary importance, including mechanisms of pathogenesis.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 1-5. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
A written report based on laboratory research, library reading, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Courses for graduate students:
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Repeatable.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. (Typically Offered: Fall)
(Cross-listed with MICRO 6080/ PLP 6080).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: BBMB 4050 or GDCB 5110
Advanced study of virus host-cell interactions. Molecular mechanisms of viral replication and pathogenesis. Offered even-numbered years.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
(Cross-listed with MICRO 6150/ BBMB 6150).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Current topics in molecular aspects of immunology: T and B cell receptors; major histocompatibility complex; antibody structure; immunosuppressive drugs and viruses; and intracellular signaling pathways leading to expression of genes that control and activate immune function. Offered odd-numbered years. (Typically Offered: Fall)
(Cross-listed with MICRO 6250).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Review of current concepts in specific areas of microbial pathogenesis including the genetic basis for bacterial disease, genetic regulation and control of virulence factors and their mechanisms of action, and host-pathogen interactions at the cellular and molecular levels. The application of microbial genetics to understanding pathogenesis will be included. Offered odd-numbered years. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Prereq: VMPM 5200 or VMPM 5750
Current topics and literature in cellular immunology. Topics include thymocyte development and selection, T cell interactions with antigen presenting cells, and lymphocyte effector functions. Offered even-numbered years.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
(Cross-listed with VPTH 6600).
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Study of current knowledge related to host pathogen interactions during persistent and chronic infections by bacteria, viruses and parasites. Offered odd-numbered years. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 1-3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Colloquia or advanced study of specific topics in a specialized field.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Colloquia or advanced study of specific topics in a specialized field.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
(Cross-listed with BBMB 6980/ GDCB 6980/ MICRO 6980/ MCDB 6980).
Credits: 1-2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Repeatable.
Student and faculty presentations. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Courses primarily for professional curriculum students:
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Case-based applied learning that relates to the basic science courses. Emphasis on early integration of basic and clinical science concepts. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Structure and function of the immune system in animals. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 5. Contact Hours: Lecture 3, Laboratory 5.
Bacteria and fungi of veterinary importance with emphasis on mechanisms of disease production and laboratory diagnostic procedures. (Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Basic principles of animal virology. Pathogenesis of viral infections. The nature and ecology of viruses of veterinary and zoonotic importance. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Fundamental epidemiology, zoonotic diseases, occupational health, food safety, other public health topics. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
An overview of the history of veterinary medicine focused primarily on disease-specific events. A review of the historical aspects of the veterinary profession's accomplishments in the discovery of the etiological origins of disease and their subsequent control will provide students with insights that are applicable to understanding and solving today's animal and human health challenges. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Etiology, epidemiology, laboratory diagnosis, regulatory control and preventive medicine aspects of the infectious diseases of swine, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, poultry, and honeybees. (Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Laboratory 5.
Repeatable.
Discussions, lectures, exercises and field trips related to veterinary public health. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 6.
Introduction to preventive medicine, public health and the principles of applied epidemiology within the working atmosphere of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-12. Repeatable.
International Preceptorships and Study Abroad group programs. Opportunities for students to be involved in applied clinical, production, and/or research experiences in international locations. The course consists of 40 hour per week experiential learning opportunities. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)